Applications, limitations and advancements of ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging: A scoping review.

Background: Ultra-low-field magnetic resonance imaging (ULF-MRI) has emerged as an alternative with several portable clinical applications. This review aims to comprehensively explore its applications, potential limitations, technological advancements, and expert recommendations. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted across medical databases to identify relevant studies. Articles on clinical usage of ULF-MRI were included, and data regarding applications, limitations, and advancements were extracted. A total of 25 articles were included for qualitative analysis. Results: The review reveals ULF-MRI efficacy in intensive care settings and intraoperatively. Technological strides are evident through innovative reconstruction techniques and integration with machine learning approaches. Additional advantages include features such as portability, cost-effectiveness, reduced power requirements, and improved patient comfort. However, alongside these strengths, certain limitations of ULF-MRI were identified, including low signal-to-noise ratio, limited resolution and length of scanning sequences, as well as variety and absence of regulatory-approved contrast-enhanced imaging. Recommendations from experts emphasize optimizing imaging quality, including addressing signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and resolution, decreasing the length of scan time, and expanding point-of-care magnetic resonance imaging availability. Conclusion: This review summarizes the potential of ULF-MRI. The technology's adaptability in intensive care unit settings and its diverse clinical and surgical applications, while accounting for SNR and resolution limitations, highlight its significance, especially in resource-limited settings. Technological advancements, alongside expert recommendations, pave the way for refining and expanding ULF-MRI's utility. However, adequate training is crucial for widespread utilization.

Radiologist preferences for faculty development initiatives to improve resident feedback in the era of competency-based medical education.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2022, all Canadian post-graduate medical programs have transitioned to a Competence by Design (CBD) model within a Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) framework. The CBME model emphasized more frequent, formative assessment of residents to evaluate their progress towards predefined competencies in comparison to traditional medical education models. Faculty members therefore have increased responsibility for providing assessments to residents on a more regular basis, which has associated challenges. Our study explores faculty assessment behaviours within the CBD framework and assesses their openness to opportunities aimed at improving the quality of written feedback. Specifically, we explore faculty's receptiveness to routine metric performance reports that offer comprehensive feedback on their assessment patterns. METHODS: Online surveys were distributed to all 28 radiology faculty at Queen's University. Data were collected on demographics, feedback practices, motivations for improving the teacher-learner feedback exchange, and openness to metric performance reports and quality improvement measures. Following descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to compare groups based on experience and subspecialty. RESULTS: The response rate was 89% (25/28 faculty). 56% of faculty were likely to complete evaluations after working with a resident. Regarding the degree to which faculty felt written feedback is important, 62% found it at least moderately important. A majority (67%) believed that performance reports could influence their evaluation approach, with volume of written feedback being the most likely to change. Faculty expressed interest in feedback-focused development opportunities (67%), favouring Grand Rounds and workshops. CONCLUSION: Assessment of preceptor perceptions reveals that faculty recognize the importance of offering high-quality written feedback to learners. Faculty openness to quality improvement interventions for curricular reform relies on having sufficient time, knowledge, and skills for effective assessments. This suggests that integrating routine performance metrics into faculty assessments could serve as a catalyst for enhancing future feedback quality.

Comparative analysis of oral and local intraovarian administration of metformin and nanoparticles (NPs11) in alleviating testosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic dysfunction. This study aims to compare the oral and local treatments of metformin or its nanoparticles (NPs11) for ameliorating PCOS in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: the control group with no drug treatment; the PCOS group, where subcutaneous testosterone was given (10 mg/kg/day) for 28 days; the MET group, where metformin was administered orally or locally; and the NP group, where metformin NPs11 were also administered orally or locally. Oral administrations were for 21 days, while local injection was performed once surgically. After 7 weeks, all rats were sacrificed; blood glucose and serum hormonal levels and lipid profile were estimated, and the ovaries were assessed by histopathological, Ki-67 immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric evaluations. Blood glucose levels were significantly decreased in groups of orally administered metformin or NPs11 only, while the most efficient option for modulating PCOS-induced hormonal and lipid profile changes was intraovarian injection of NPs11. The ovaries of PCOS rats demonstrated large follicular cysts, massive collagen depositions, and attenuated Ki-67 immunoexpression. Also, the PCOS group revealed a significant decrease in the count of all stages of growing follicles, corpora lutea, granulosa cell layer thickness, and surface area of corpora lutea, in addition to an increase in the number of atretic follicles and follicular cysts, theca cell layer thickness, and surface area of the follicular cysts. All these parameters were recovered with metformin or their NPs11 treatments in different degrees, while local injection of NPs11 was the best option.

Intraoperative use of low-field magnetic resonance imaging for brain tumors: A systematic review.

Background: Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) has become a valuable tool in the diagnosis of brain tumors due to its high spatial resolution and ability to acquire images in a short amount of time. However, the use of LF-MRI for intraoperative imaging during brain tumor surgeries has not been extensively studied. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the impact of low-field intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (LF-IMRI) on the duration of brain tumor surgery and the extent of tumor resection. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from February 2000 to December 2022. The studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria and reviewed independently by two reviewers. The gathered information was organized and analyzed using Excel. Results: Our review of 21 articles found that low-field intraoperative MRI (LF-IMRI) with a field below 0.3T was used in most of the studies, specifically 15 studies used 0.15T LF-IMRI. The T1-weighted sequence was the most frequently reported, and the average scanning time was 24.26 min. The majority of the studies reported a positive impact of LF-IMRI on the extent of tumor resection, with an increase ranging from 11% to 52.5%. Notably, there were no studies describing the use of ultra-low-field (ULF) intraoperative MRI. Conclusion: The results of this systematic review will aid neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists in making informed decisions about the use of LF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries. Further, research is needed to fully understand the impact of LF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries and to optimize its use in the clinical setting. There is an opportunity to study the utility of ULF-MRI in brain tumor surgeries.

Potential application of ultra-low field portable MRI in the ICU to improve CT and MRI access in Canadian hospitals: a multi-center retrospective analysis.

Background: To highlight the value of Portable MRI in ICU and to recommend use case scenarios for portable MRI in ICU patients that may increase capacity for fixed CT and MRI units. Urgent neuroimaging is commonly required in ICU. Typically, ICU patients are transported to Radiology for assessment in fixed CT and MRI units. Portable MRI use in Canadian ICU settings offers the potential advantages of reduced transport risk, earlier diagnosis, improved triaging, as well as the ability to perform frequent re-imaging at the bedside. This frees up time on fixed CT and MRI units, leading to enhanced capacity to perform CT and MRI on other patients. Portable MRI use case scenarios in Canadian institutions have not been established and potential beneficial effect on wait times has not been analyzed. Methods: A retrospective semi-quantitative descriptive analysis was performed using all ICU neuroimaging requisitions (CT and MRI) over a 12-month period between January and December 2021, at Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Queen's University (Kingston, Ontario) and St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health, University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario). Indications for portable MRI in ICU patients were established. The number of ICU patients who could potentially undergo portable MRI was determined. Fixed CT and MRI scan times saved were calculated. Results: In ICU patients, portable MRI could potentially replace fixed CT in 21% and fixed MRI in 26.5% of cases. This equates to annual capacity increase of 1,676 additional patients being able to undergo fixed CT scans and 324 additional patients being able to undergo fixed MRI. Conclusion: Implementation of portable MRI in the ICU for select neurological indications can have a significant positive impact on CT and MRI wait times in Canadian hospitals.

Feasibility and Cost Analysis of Portable MRI Implementation in a Remote Setting in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct feasibility and cost analysis of portable MRI implementation in a remote setting where MRI access is otherwise unavailable. METHODS: Portable MRI (ultra-low field, 0.064T) was installed in Weeneebayko General Hospital, Moose Factory, Ontario. Adult patients, presenting with any indication for neuroimaging, were eligible for study inclusion. Scanning period was from November 14, 2021, to September 6, 2022. Images were sent via a secure PACS network for Neuroradiologist interpretation, available 24/7. Clinical indications, image quality, and report turnaround time were recorded. A cost analysis was conducted from a healthcare system's perspective in 2022 Canadian dollars, comparing cost of portable MRI implementation to transporting patients to a center with fixed MRI. RESULTS: Portable MRI was successfully implemented in a remote Canadian location. Twenty-five patients received a portable MRI scan. All studies were of diagnostic quality. No clinically significant pathologies were identified on any of the studies. However, based on clinical presentation and limitations of portable MRI resolution, it is estimated that 11 (44%) of patients would require transfer to a center with fixed MRI for further imaging workup. Cost savings were $854,841 based on 50 patients receiving portable MRI over 1 year. Five-year budget impact analysis showed nearly $8 million dollars saved. CONCLUSIONS: Portable MRI implementation in a remote setting is feasible, with significant cost savings compared to fixed MRI. This study may serve as a model to democratize MRI access, offer timely care and improved triaging in remote areas where conventional MRI is unavailable.

Experimental study of the effects of nitroglycerin, botulinum toxin A, and clopidogrel on bipedicled superficial inferior epigastric artery flap survival.

Beneficial effects could be achieved by various agents such as nitroglycerin, botulinum toxin A (BoTA), and clopidogrel to improve skin flap ischaemia and venous congestion injuries. Eighty rats were subjected to either arterial ischaemia or venous congestion and applied to a bipedicled U-shaped superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap with the administration of nitroglycerin, BoTA, or clopidogrel treatments. After 7 days, all rats were sacrificed for flap evaluation. Necrotic area percentage was significantly minimized in flaps treated with clopidogrel (24.49%) versus the ischemic flaps (34.78%); while nitroglycerin (19.22%) versus flaps with venous congestion (43.26%). With ischemia, light and electron microscopic assessments revealed that nitroglycerin produced degeneration of keratinocytes and disorganization of collagen fibers. At the same time, with clopidogrel administration, there was an improvement in the integrity of these structures. With venous congestion, nitroglycerin and BoTA treatments mitigated the epidermal and dermal injury; and clopidogrel caused coagulative necrosis. There was a significant increase in tissue gene expression and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ischemic flaps with BoTA and clopidogrel, nitroglycerin, and BoTA clopidogrel in flaps with venous congestion. With the 3 treatment agents, gene expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were up-regulated in the flaps with ischemia and venous congestion. With all treatment modalities, its serum levels were significantly increased in flaps with venous congestion and significantly decreased in ischemic flaps. Our analyses suggest that the best treatment option for ischemic flaps is clopidogrel, while for flaps with venous congestion are nitroglycerin and BoTA.

Nasal septal anatomical variations among Saudi population and their possible coincidence with sinusitis: a computed tomography scan study.

The nasal septum is a crucial supporting factor for the nasal cavity and may develop several anatomical variants including septal deviation, spur and pneumatization. These variants could be associated with a higher incidence of sinusitis due to structural and functional alterations. So, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of nasal septal deviation (NSD), nasal septal spur (NSS) and nasal septal pneumatization (NSP) among the Saudi adult population and their links with the incidence of sinusitis by using computed tomography (CT). A retrospective study was achieved over a twenty-two months period on 681 adult Saudi subjects (420 males and 261 females) aged 20 years or older, referred for coronal CT evaluation of the paranasal sinuses. NSD and NSS were significantly more prevalent in males than females (80.0% vs. 67.4% respectively for NSD, and 34.5% vs. 24.9% respectively for NSS), while there was no statistical difference in frequency of NSP regarding gender (P=0.670). The incidence of sinusitis was significantly higher in presence of NSD and/or NSS (P<0.001 for both). On the contrary, NSP was not associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of sinusitis (P=0.131). In conclusion, NSD and NSS are more prevalent in males than females among the Saudi population with no statistical difference between both genders regarding the presence of septal pneumatization. Furthermore, sinusitis is more prevalent with the occurrence of NSD and NSS, and not related to the incidence of NSP.

Biallelic inheritance in a single Pakistani family with intellectual disability implicates new candidate gene RDH14.

In a multi-branch family from Pakistan, individuals presenting with palmoplantar keratoderma segregate in autosomal dominant fashion, and individuals with intellectual disability (ID) segregate in apparent autosomal recessive fashion. Initial attempts to identify the ID locus using homozygosity-by-descent (HBD) mapping were unsuccessful. However, following an assumption of locus heterogeneity, a reiterative HBD approach in concert with whole exome sequencing (WES) was employed. We identified a known disease-linked mutation in the polymicrogyria gene, ADGRG1, in two affected members. In the remaining two (living) affected members, HBD mapping cross-referenced with WES data identified a single biallelic frameshifting variant in the gene encoding retinol dehydrogenase 14 (RDH14). Transcription data indicate that RDH14 is expressed in brain, but not in retina. Magnetic resonance imaging for the individuals with this RDH14 mutation show no signs of polymicrogyria, however cerebellar atrophy was a notable feature. RDH14 in HEK293 cells localized mainly in the nucleoplasm. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirmed binding to the proton-activated chloride channel 1 (PACC1/TMEM206), which is greatly diminished by the mutation. Our studies suggest RDH14 as a candidate for autosomal recessive ID and cerebellar atrophy, implicating either disrupted retinoic acid signaling, or, through PACC1, disrupted chloride ion homeostasis in the brain as a putative disease mechanism.

Protective effects of Rosemary extract and/or Fluoxetine on Monosodium Glutamate-induced hippocampal neurotoxicity in rat.

The use of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) as a food flavor enhancer is increasing worldwide despite its neurotoxic effects. Fluoxetine (FLX) and Rosemary extract (RE) are known to have beneficial neuroprotective properties. Rats were divided into five groups: control group; MSG group, rats received 2 g∕kg∕day intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of MSG for seven days; RE/MSG group, rats received 50 mg∕kg∕day of oral RE for 28 days starting prior to MSG; FLX∕MSG group, rats received 10 mg∕kg∕day of oral FLX for 28 days beginning before MSG; and RE∕FLX∕MSG group, received combined treatments as mentioned above. Rats underwent the Barnes maze test, in addition to histopathological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and ultrastructural evaluations for their hippocampi. MSG increased the number of errors and escaped latency in the Barnes maze test that was significantly minimized in the three treatment groups. The MSG group exhibited pyramidal cell (PC) degeneration, shrunken glial cells and massive vascular dilatation that were improved with RE and∕or FLX treatment. The number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunopositive cells were increased, and the number of PCs was decreased in the MSG group, while these values were significantly reversed with the three treatment groups with the most significant improvement at RE∕FLX∕MSG one. Ultrastructurally, PCs were shrunken with degenerated nuclei, dilated endoplasmic reticulum, swollen mitochondria, and vacuolations in the MSG group that were improved with RE and∕or FLX. In conclusion, the combined RE and FLX treatment can ameliorate the toxic effect of MSG on rat hippocampus probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Topical onion juice mitigates the morphological alterations of the cornea in the aged male rats.

Aging is associated with structural and functional changes of the cornea. Fresh onion juice contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids that may provide an anti-aging effect. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the onion juice to ameliorate these aging changes. Rats were grouped as adult and aged groups. Rats of both groups received eye drops of diluted onion juice in their right eyes every 8 hours for 12 weeks, while the left ones were served as control eyes. The corneas of both eyes underwent histopathological, immunohistochemical and morphometric assessments, in addition to measuring their intraocular pressure (IOP). The aged group exhibited a significantly elevated IOP, decreased tear secretion, degenerated corneal epithelium and endothelium, surface erosions and stromal edema with irregular collagen fibers. Administration of onion juice led to lowering of IOP, significant increase in tearing, restoration of most of epithelial, endothelial and stromal integrity, and increased epithelial, keratocystic and endothelial cell densities. Immunohistochemically, the epithelium and endothelium revealed positive immune reactions for both epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and paired box protein-6 (PAX6) in the control and onion-treated corneas of the adult group, while these immune reactions were negative in the untreated aged ones. Onion drops in aged corneas showed a positive immune reaction for EFGR and PAX6 involving the epithelial and endothelial layers. In conclusion, topical onion juice improves corneal aging changes through its direct effect, and indirectly through lowering IOP and enhancing tear secretion.

Prevalence of the anatomical variations of concha bullosa and its relation with sinusitis among Saudi population: a computed tomography scan study.

Concha bullosa (CB) is a pneumatic cavitation inside a concha in the nasal cavity. It is one of the most widely recognized nasal variations and is mostly found in the middle concha. CB is divided according to its site into three types; lamellar, bulbous and extensive. The goal of our study was to estimate the prevalence of CB among Saudi adult population and its association with sinusitis by using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). This was a retrospective study carried out over a three-year period on 879 adult Saudi patients aged 18 years or older, referred for MDCT assessment of paranasal sinuses. Males were 540 and females were 339. Patients with facial congenital anomalies or nasal trauma were excluded from our study. CB was prevalent in both males and females among Saudi population (55.4%, 55.7%) respectively. Bilateral CB (55.5%) was more frequent than unilateral (44.5%). Extensive CB (44.0%) was the most frequent type. Sinusitis was associated more in patients with CB (48.0%) versus those who have no CB (5.9%). In conclusion, CB was prevalent among Saudi population and the most frequently recorded is the extensive type. Furthermore, the most common type associated with sinusitis was extensive CB (49.6%).

Creating a Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum for Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residency (Queen's Fundamental Innovations in Residency Education)-Part 2: Core of Discipline Stage.

PURPOSE: All postgraduate residency programs in Canada are transitioning to a competency-based medical education (CBME) model divided into 4 stages of training. Queen's University has been the first Canadian institution to mandate transitioning to CBME across all residency programs, including Diagnostic Radiology. This study describes the implementation of CBME with a focus on the third developmental stage, Core of Discipline, in the Diagnostic Radiology residency program at Queen's University. We describe strategies applied and challenges encountered during the adoption and implementation process in order to inform the development of other CBME residency programs in Diagnostic Radiology. METHODS: At Queen's University, the Core of Discipline stage was developed using the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada's (RCPSC) competence continuum guidelines and the CanMEDS framework to create radiology-specific entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and milestones for assessment. New committees, administrative positions, and assessment strategies were created to develop these assessment guidelines. Currently, 2 cohorts of residents (n = 6) are enrolled in the Core of Discipline stage. RESULTS: EPAs, milestones, and methods of evaluation for the Core of Discipline stage are described. Opportunities during implementation included tracking progress toward educational objectives and increased mentorship. Challenges included difficulty meeting procedural volume requirements, inconsistent procedural tracking, improving feedback mechanisms, and administrative burden. CONCLUSION: The transition to a competency-based curriculum in an academic Diagnostic Radiology residency program is significantly resource and time intensive. This report describes challenges faced in developing the Core of Discipline stage and potential solutions to facilitate this process.

Biallelic mutations in the death domain of PIDD1 impair caspase-2 activation and are associated with intellectual disability.

PIDD1 encodes p53-Induced Death Domain protein 1, which acts as a sensor surveilling centrosome numbers and p53 activity in mammalian cells. Early results also suggest a role in DNA damage response where PIDD1 may act as a cell-fate switch, through interaction with RIP1 and NEMO/IKKg, activating NF-κB signaling for survival, or as an apoptosis-inducing protein by activating caspase-2. Biallelic truncating mutations in CRADD-the protein bridging PIDD1 and caspase-2-have been reported in intellectual disability (ID), and in a form of lissencephaly. Here, we identified five families with ID from Iran, Pakistan, and India, with four different biallelic mutations in PIDD1, all disrupting the Death Domain (DD), through which PIDD1 interacts with CRADD or RIP1. Nonsense mutations Gln863* and Arg637* directly disrupt the DD, as does a missense mutation, Arg815Trp. A homozygous splice mutation in the fifth family is predicted to disrupt splicing upstream of the DD, as confirmed using an exon trap. In HEK293 cells, we show that both Gln863* and Arg815Trp mutants fail to co-localize with CRADD, leading to its aggregation and mis-localization, and fail to co-precipitate CRADD. Using genome-edited cell lines, we show that these three PIDD1 mutations all cause loss of PIDDosome function. Pidd1 null mice show decreased anxiety, but no motor abnormalities. Together this indicates that PIDD1 mutations in humans may cause ID (and possibly lissencephaly) either through gain of function or secondarily, due to altered scaffolding properties, while complete loss of PIDD1, as modeled in mice, may be well tolerated or is compensated for.

Competency-Based Medical Education in Radiology: A Survey of Medical Student Perceptions.

PURPOSE: Implementing competency-based medical education in diagnostic radiology residencies will change the paradigm of learning and assessment for residents. The objective of this study is to evaluate medical student perceptions of competency-based medical education in diagnostic radiology programs and how this may affect their decision to pursue a career in diagnostic radiology. METHODS: First-, second-, and third-year medical students at a Canadian university were invited to complete a 14-question survey containing a mix of multiple choice, yes/no, Likert scale, and open-ended questions. This aimed to collect information on students' understanding and perceptions of competency-based medical education and how the transition to competency-based medical education would factor into their decision to enter a career in diagnostic radiology. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 300 medical students and received 63 responses (21%). Thirty-seven percent of students had an interest in pursuing diagnostic radiology that ranged from interested to committed and 46% reported an understanding of competency-based medical education and its learning approach. The implementation of competency-based medical education in diagnostic radiology programs was reported to be a positive factor by 70% of students and almost all reported that breaking down residency into measurable milestones and required case exposure was beneficial. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that medical students perceive competency-based medical education to be a beneficial change to diagnostic radiology residency programs. The changes accompanying the transition to competency-based medical education were favored by students and factored into their residency decision-making.

Creating a Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum for Canadian Diagnostic Radiology Residency (Queen's Fundamental Innovations in Residency Education)-Part 1: Transition to Discipline and Foundation of Discipline Stages.

PURPOSE: The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) has mandated the transition of postgraduate medical training in Canada to a competency-based medical education (CBME) model divided into 4 stages of training. As part of the Queen's University Fundamental Innovations in Residency Education proposal, Queen's University in Canada is the first institution to transition all of its residency programs simultaneously to this model, including Diagnostic Radiology. The objective of this report is to describe the Queen's Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program's implementation of a CBME curriculum. METHODS: At Queen's University, the novel curriculum was developed using the RCPSC's competency continuum and the CanMEDS framework to create radiology-specific entrustable professional activities (EPAs) and milestones. In addition, new committees and assessment strategies were established. As of July 2015, 3 cohorts of residents (n = 9) have been enrolled in this new curriculum. RESULTS: EPAs, milestones, and methods of evaluation for the Transition to Discipline and Foundations of Discipline stages, as well as the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of a competency-based curriculum in a Diagnostic Radiology Residency Program, are described. Challenges include the increased frequency of resident assessments, establishing stage-specific learner expectations, and the creation of volumetric guidelines for case reporting and procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Development of a novel CBME curriculum requires significant resources and dedicated administrative time within an academic Radiology department. This article highlights challenges and provides guidance for this process.

Emotional Resilience and Bariatric Surgical Teams: a Priority in the Pandemic.

The infection control measures implemented as a result of COVID-19 led to a postponement of bariatric surgical procedures across many countries worldwide. Many bariatric surgical teams were in essence left without a profession, with many redeployed to other areas of clinical care and were not able to provide the levels of patient support given before COVID-19. As the pandemic continues, some restrictions have been lifted, with staff adjusting to new ways of working, incorporating challenging working conditions and dealing with continuing levels of stress. This article explores the concept of emotional labour, defined as 'inducing or suppressing feelings in order to perform one's work', and its application to multidisciplinary teams working within bariatric surgery, to offer insight into the mental health issues that may be affecting healthcare professionals working in this discipline.

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor improves intervertebral disc degeneration in experimental adult male rats: A microscopic and radiological study.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a major contributor to low back pain (LBP). Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (GCSF) is known to mobilize hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that may be implicated in intervertebral disc (IVD) regeneration. Rats were divided into the following three groups: (i) control group; (ii) IVDD group-the rats underwent Co5/Co6 and Co7/Co8 IVDD operation; and (iii) GCSF-treated group-the rats received daily GCSF subcutaneous injections starting 6 weeks after the IVDD operation and continued for 5 days. All of the rats were euthanized after 8 weeks, and IVDs were assessed by tail X-ray and histopathological, immunohistochemical, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The X-rays showed disc narrowing in the IVDD group that was significantly widened in the GCSF-treated rats. Histologically, the IVDD group showed disarrangement of the annulus fibrosis lamellae, complete degeneration of the nucleus pulposus, and loss of proteoglycan content. These changes were improved after GCSF treatment. Vertebral endplate thickness and cellularity were significantly decreased with IVDD and significantly increased after GCSF treatment. Stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α) immune expression was significantly increased in the IVDD group but decreased in the GCSF-treated group. However, the caspase-3 expression percentage showed no significant difference among the studied groups. TEM showed excessive collagen deposits around the notochordal cells in the IVDD group, which were attenuated in the GCSF-treated group. These results indicate that GCSF improves IVDD and promotes its recovery based on radiological, histological and TEM findings.